2016 Hyundai I10 1.0L Petrol · EN16 XPW

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in this i10 returns approximately 50–55 mpg in mixed driving and around 60 mpg on a steady run, making it one of the most economical non-hybrid small cars available. Road tax sits in the cheap bracket due to the sub-1.0-litre engine and pre-2017 registration, costing around £20–£35 per year depending on exact CO2 banding. Insurance falls into group 1 or 2 for this entry-level variant, which is the cheapest bracket on the UK market.

Routine servicing is inexpensive thanks to the simple mechanicals, with an annual service typically costing £120–£180 at an independent garage. Parts availability for the i10 is strong and components are cheap. Based on fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, an annual running cost of £800–£1,100 is realistic for a vehicle doing low mileage like this one.

Start with the suspension components flagged in the last two MOTs. With the vehicle on a four-post ramp or with both front wheels lifted, grasp each front tyre at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it — any clunking or perceptible movement indicates the offside front ball joint has worn beyond the 'slight play' threshold recorded in June 2026. Also check the nearside front ball joint, as wear on one side often accelerates the other. Inspect the front tyres for cracking in the sidewalls, particularly on the offside front where perishing was flagged in 2025 — aged tyres with low mileage can develop sidewall cracks even if the tread depth looks adequate.

The perished fuel cap seal noted in 2026 is worth examining visually. A new fuel cap is inexpensive but a damaged filler neck or broken cap retaining ring is more involved to fix. Beyond the MOT-flagged items, check for the usual i10 weak points: corrosion around the rear wheel arches and under the tailgate, condition of the cambelt (if due on a 2016 car it should have been changed by now — verify the service book record), and the rear brake drums which can seize on low-mileage cars that have seen little use. A test drive over uneven roads should produce no clonks, knocks or steering wander.